SOCI 10

Course Syllabus

Introduction to Sociology (Soci 1301)

Spring 2018

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COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the concepts and principles used in the study of group life, social institutions, and social processes. This course fulfills the Social and Behavioral Sciences foundational component area of the core and addresses the following required objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Empirical Quantitative Skills, and Social Responsibility.

TEXTBOOKS: One textbook is required.

A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from a college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Chambliss, W. and Eglitis, D. (2018). Discover Sociology (3nd Ed). L.A., CA: Sage. ISBN 9781506347387

San Antonio College Bookstore offers same text with custom college name on front, 3rd Ed ISBN#9781506396088

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The statement of student learning outcomes is designed to bring awareness of what you will be learning and what skills you should be able to demonstrate by way of the acquired knowledge.

After successfully completing this course, a student is able to:

1. Compare and contrast basic theoretical perspectives of sociology

2. Describe key concepts in sociology

3. Describe the empirical findings of various subfields of sociology

4. Explain the complex links between individual experiences and broader institutional forces

5. Identify the various methodological approaches to the collection and analysis of data in sociology

Course Introduction:

How are our individual choices shaped by society? How do our choices help shape society? These are two primary questions we will address in this Introduction course to the Study of Sociology. Sociologists explore practically all aspects of social relations. What is society and how does it shape individuals’ lives? Why do people behave as they do; and what they can do to more effectively take charge of their lives? This course is designed to offer insights to understand how social forces in society shape our behavior and influence our life experiences. Considerably, we are the product of our society and vice versa. Our identities, hopes, fears, grievances, and satisfactions are shaped by the culture and social structure that surrounds us.

This course is designed to help students learn the basic theoretical principles, terminology, concepts, and methodologies used within the discipline of sociology. Additionally, it will introduce the student to basic sociological areas of inquiry, such as socialization, group dynamics, gender, social stratification, inequality, social class, deviance, social institutions, and the micro and macro sociological analysis. Students will apply sociological concepts, methodologies, and theories to understand how social influences affect their lives, and will develop a greater understanding of their own culture through the comparative analysis of other societies.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT MATTER OF EACH LECTURE OR DISCUSSION:

SOCI 1301 Introduction to Sociology

Course Content / Study of Topics

Ch 1: Discover Sociology

Ch 2: Discover Sociological Research

Ch 3: Culture and Mass Media

Ch 4: Socialization and Social Interaction

Ch 5: Groups, Organizations, and Bureaucracies

Ch 7: Social Class and Inequality in the U.S.

Ch 8: Global Inequality and Poverty

Ch 9: Race and Ethnicity

Ch 10: Gender and Society

Ch 11: Families and Society

Ch 12: Education and Society

Ch 15: Work, Consumption, and the Economy

Ch 16: Health and Medicine

Course requirements:

Semester grades are calculated on the following basis:

Quizzes and Final Exam 50%

Discussion Assignments 50%

Total 100%

Your grades will be awarded based on the following percentage grading scale:

Grading Scale:

90% -100% A

80% - 89% B

70% - 79% C

60% - 69% D

59% and below F

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

A. Attendance Policy

Student absences will be recorded from the first day the class meets (January 16, 2018) and continue until the last day of class (March 10, 2018). Regular attendance is required. ***Note: this course is a Flex I course, which means content and coursework is accelerated into 8 weeks; therefore required meeting/contacts hours are doubled for the 8 weeks. Students must login to their course at least four times a week to complete the assigned discussions, which will account for attendance. Any one missed login will be counted as 1 absence. (So if you fail to log in for 1 entire week that will equate to 4 absences.) Attendance is also checked by postings to the assigned chapter discussions (2 per week) and responding to other student posts (2 per week).

*Note: New College Policy – (Smart Start drop policy) It is highly important for the student to login during the first week of class – within the first 3 days. Failure to login (a student who has not attended) by the end of the 1st week of the course will result in the student being dropped.

A student may be dropped for excessive absences. Absences are considered excessive when more than 12.5 percent of the total contact hours of instruction in a semester, including lecture and lab, are missed. For example, in a three-credit-hour lecture class, students may be dropped after more than six absences. For this course, six absences will constitute a drop. Note from above each week requires

Students who are absent for any reason should always consult with their instructor. In all cases, students will be held responsible for completion of course requirements covered in their absence.

Students who stop attending class for any reason should contact the instructor and the college registrar to officially withdraw from the class. Students may be required to consult with an advisor or designee before dropping. Failure to officially withdraw may result in a failing grade for the course. Again, any student who receives six absences in this online course will be dropped.

B. Quizzes and Exam (50% of final grade)

Students are required to take one quiz at the end of each assigned chapter for the course (for this Flex II session, 2 Chapters are assigned each week, therefore 2 quizzes will be assigned and must be completed each week). Each quiz will consist of multiple-choice or true/false questions that come from the assigned readings in the text. The quizzes are timed and limited to an assigned completion date; therefore it is expected that the student will be knowledgeable of the assigned material. Please pay attention to the course schedule to prevent missed due dates, and chapters that are covered out of sequence. Each chapter quiz will become available for access for 1 week: opening on Mondays at 12:01am the week the chapter is assigned, and closing for any further access on Sundays at 11:59 pm. Students will have 2.0 hours to complete each chapter quiz during the week it is assigned, and only 1 attempt – so please read before you begin the quiz. Make-up quizzes will not be given without extenuating circumstances (i.e. hospitalization for over 5 days with documentation, DTY, etc); normal usual life experiences such as family/personal illnesses, allergies, automobile troubles, extra work shifts, computer/Internet failure, etc. are not acceptable excuses for students to fail to complete the weekly required quizzes or assignments. Course requirements can be completed during these normal life circumstances if the student properly plans in advance and does not wait until the day the work is due to complete. Students should complete their assigned work as far in advance as possible during the week in case they do experience computer/Internet issues, illnesses, extra work shifts, etc. Please prepare accordingly. Quizzes are open for 1 week per chapter and it is the student’s responsibility to prioritize their time each week to complete the required chapter quizzes. No exceptions will be granted unless extenuating circumstances lasting 1.5 weeks or longer occur and official documentation is provided.

One final comprehensive exam will be given at the end of the semester (Week 8, due on Friday, March 09, 2018@ 11:59 p.m.).

C. Discussions/Assignments (50% of final grade)

There will be discussions assigned for each module. The discussions will include critical thinking essay questions pertaining to the chapter of the text assigned for each module as well as critical thinking essay questions pertaining to assigned online readings and videos. This Flex I course is designed so that students are completing 2 chapters per week and assigned articles, online readings and videos – except for Week 1, in which the Orientation and Chapter 1 modules are assigned. This Flex course covers 13 chapters, they are not in sequence so be aware of the schedule and list of chapters assigned (see the course schedule/calendar file under Syllabus tab in Canvas). NO LATE DISCUSSIONS/ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Once the discussion closes, students are locked out and cannot post. Each discussion will consist of the student posting an essay in response to the critical thinking questions assigned in each module, plus responses to 2 classmates’ postings. Correct essay and APA format are required when submitting your essays.

**Students are not allowed to post a response to a classmate’s work until they have posted their own essay first. The instructor will be noting the date and time of each student’s essay post and the date and time of each student’s responses to 2 classmates. Make sure you post your own work prior to responding and commenting on another’s.

Please know that I have set up the discussions so that you can only view other students work once you have submitted yourself. However, there is a flaw in the Canvas Discussion board system that allows students to post anything.......an initial "L" or a short sentence "Hold on, let me try this"..."I made a mistake"....etc, that unlocks the Discussion posts for that student to read other’s work. I am able to see students who unlock the discussion prior to posting their essays in this way because Canvas is set up so that no one can edit or delete any posting they complete.

Because the established course policy is for students not to view one another’s postings until they have POSTED THEIR ESSAYS first (meaning completing their own work before viewing), the following course policy will be implemented.

Policy:

The first post a student initiates, whether 1 word, a short sentence, etc... or the student's actual essay response that unlocks the Discussion board to view and reply WILL COUNT AS AND BE GRADED AS THE STUDENT ESSAY ASSIGNMENT. Therefore if the first posting is not your essay, you will receive 0 points for that Discussion Assignment.

The system holds the error so Instructors cannot prevent students from going around this; Instructors can only implement policies to be adhered to and apply consequences if they are not.

If you need further clarification on this policy please email me: akampman@alamo.edu to discuss the policy with you.

**For each chapter discussion you are required to post 3 times at a minimum. (Your essay and a response to 2 other students- again this will be how attendance is checked for logging in 4x per week – you post once for your discussion essay to receive the first attendance mark for the week and then post a second time during the week (or more) to 2 (or more) students to receive an attendance mark for the second time during the week. Review the grading rubric below and follow the guidelines to receive maximum full credit.

Grading Policy for Discussions (Rubric): Per essay question
Answered the question in full with substance that fully elaborates on the topic with clarity. Includes all terms and define the terms. See the Guidelines for Answering Discussion essay questions below for clear, specific guidelines on how to earn/lose these maximum points	6
Meet length requirement of a minimum of 400 words per essay question. This is an all or nothing component; if you go under 400 words you will receive 0	2
Post 2 peer responses (of at least 75 words each per each peer response discussion). This is an all or nothing component; if you go under 75 words in either one or both responses you will receive 0 for each response that is under the 75 word minimum. Additionally, remember to follow the student participation guidelines below and the Netiquette policy located in Module 1.	2
Total points possible per essay question assigned	10

Guidelines for Answering Discussion Essay Question Assignments (400 word minimum per essay question)

1. Write in essay format, using paragraphs, not an outline: no numbering, bulleting, or lists. Give a clear introduction with a clear thesis statement to introduce the topic. Essay in APA format.

2. Answer the question using the information from the text. The answer to the Critical Thinking Question assignments should reflect specific concepts from the text, and include any sociological terminology along with its definition that falls within the answer. Do not give your opinion unless the question asks you to do so.

3. To receive a maximum score, each answer should be thorough and include pertinent statistics when given by text and sociological terminology from the text. Be sure to always include the definition with the term, and never just the term. The student should provide complete and accurate information from the text when answering the essay question. No outside sources or websites.

4. Grading will reflect the accurateness and completeness of the answer that is presented in your text, this will include your Engagement, or how well you understood and analyzed the material; and your Execution, or how well-written it is (proper English, no grammar or spelling errors, correct punctuation and Capitalization, and in essay format). Partial answers will be given partial credit. Be sure to check your paragraphs for spelling and grammar errors. Points will be deducted for excessive errors (-2 for 3 to 5 grammar/spelling errors; -5 for 6 or more).

5. No late assignments are accepted.

6. FOR COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES SEE: GRADING RUBRIC AND GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETING DISCUSSIONS document provided by Instructor.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTOR COURSE POLICIES

Communication With Your Instructor

Communication with your instructor can prove to be very important to your success in this course. I encourage you to contact me for any issues, concerns, or if a problem arises so we can discuss possible options. I check my e-mail from students frequently, and I am usually able to respond within 24 hours; students need to allow up to 2 days of response time for me to meet your need or to schedule a meeting. Please do not expect your e-mails to be read right before an assignment or quiz is due. Please plan accordingly to allow time for communication with your instructor. **Note: Please include your name to your email and specify ONLINE FLEX SECTION in the subject line.

Student Participation Policy

Classmate responses are expected in the form of positive comments, intelligently discussing social concerns, answering questions, offering personal observations, and staying focused on instructional material. Additionally, throughout the course of the semester, we will be addressing a variety of issues which people will have strong and diverse opinions on. It is critical that we respect one another’s thoughts. Our class is not a forum for disrespectful, demeaning or threatening language and behavior. Students must respect each other and the instructor when they are speaking/responding. Any student not adhering to these ground rules for our classroom discussions will be locked out of the online system and will have to meet with the instructor to review SOBI and classroom expectations to determine if student can return to the online learning environment or if a drop is warranted.

Academic Integrity Policy

While I encourage study groups and working together to understand theory and concepts, all written work should be your own. Please do not use other students’ papers or exercises for your assignments. I will not accept academic dishonesty. All your work must be your own. Presenting as one's own work the words, ideas or expressions of another in any form is cheating through plagiarism and is not tolerated. The claim of ignorance is no excuse. Plagiarized assignments will receive an F. Please remember, if you reference a scholar or use his/her ideas, please cite properly.

Institutional Policies STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: A. Attendance: Effective Spring Term 2010, student absences will be recorded from the first day the class meets. Regular and punctual attendance in all classes and laboratories, day and evening, is required. Students who are absent for any reason should always consult with their instructors. Course syllabi must provide specific information regarding attendance, including, for courses involving the internet, online activity that constitutes “attendance.” Also, both tardiness and early departure from class may be considered forms of absenteeism. In all cases, students will be held responsible for completion of course requirements covered in their absence. Additionally, it is the student’s responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance. Course instructors establish policy with regard to attendance in their respective syllabi and may drop a student for excessive absences. Absences are considered excessive when more than 12.5 percent of the total contact hours of instruction in a semester, including lecture and lab, are missed. For example, in a three-credit-hour lecture class, students may be dropped after more than six contact hours of absences. In a four-credit-hour lecture/lab class, students may be dropped after more than eight contact hours of absences. Absences are counted regardless of whether they occur consecutively. In special programs with additional accreditation or certification standards, additional attendance requirements may be enforced but faculty must clearly explain these policies in their syllabi. Students who stop attending class for any reason should contact the instructor and the college registrar to officially withdraw from the class. Students may be required to consult with an advisor or designee before dropping. Failure to officially withdraw may result in a failing grade for the course. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw officially from a class by submitting a completed Withdrawal Form to the Admissions and Records Office. B. Student Responsibility for Success (Alamo Colleges Policy F.6.2): As members of the Alamo Colleges learning community, students, faculty, staff and administrators all share the responsibility to create an atmosphere where knowledge, integrity, truth, and academic honesty are valued and expected. A clear acknowledgment of the mutual obligations of all members of the academic community emphasizes this implicit partnership in fostering the conditions necessary for student success. In this relationship, the Alamo Colleges provides institutional policies, procedures, and opportunities to facilitate student learning that encourage interaction, involvement and responsible participation. Inherent in the academic climate is the expectation that students will assume responsibility for contributing to their own development and learning. Academic success is directly tied to the effort students put into their studies, the degree to which they interact with faculty and peers, and the extent to which students integrate into the campus life. 1. Engagement 1. Create connections and build relationships with faculty, staff and students (visit during office hours, join clubs and organizations, participate in student activities, etc.); 2. Stay informed of policies, procedures, deadlines and events for academic and co-curricular activities; 3. Complete all requirements for admission, registration, and payment by deadlines; 4. Apply for financial assistance, if needed, complying with all federal, state and local regulations and procedures; 5. Meet all federal, state and local health care regulations. 2. Communication 1. Seek guidance from faculty, advisors or counselors for questions and concerns in regards to degree plans, major selection, academic status, grades, and issues impacting college success; 2. Develop a peer support system to identify student contacts for questions, group assignments, etc. regarding academic and co-curricular activities; 3. Communicate with College personnel promptly regarding academic or co-curricular concerns and assistance requests; 4. Carefully consider the information provided by College personnel and make decisions using that information; 5. Check the Alamo Colleges’ Web Services regularly for emails, holds, student records, financial aid status and announcements; 6. Submit disability documentation if seeking services and request academic accommodations in advance of each semester. 3. Academic Success 1. Complete courses with passing grades and maintain in good academic standing (2.0 GPA) status; 2. Read and follow all syllabi; 3. Purchase textbooks and required supplies in a timely manner; 4. Attend classes regularly and on time, with as few absences, late arrivals, and early exits as possible; 5. Arrive to class with all needed materials and completed assignments for that class period; 6. Be attentive in class and actively participate as appropriate; 7. Devote sufficient time for studying; 8. Ensure integrity in all aspects of academic and career development; 9. Accurately represent one’s own work and that of others used in creating academic assignments. Use information ethically and exercise appropriate caution to avoid plagiarism on all assignments; 10. Notify faculty in advance or as soon as possible about absences and provide documentation as appropriate; 11. Consult faculty members in advance when unable to complete projects, assignments, or take examinations as scheduled. 4. Self-Responsibility and Responsibility to Others 1. Maintain accurate and complete degree/certificate major selection and contact information including name, address, phone number and emergency contact; 2. Balance personal obligations and educational pursuits. Work with a counselor / advisor to design a realistic schedule that dedicates adequate effort to be successful in college studies; 3. Know and follow the regulations and guidelines outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook; 4. Maintain respectful and appropriate behavior within and outside the classroom; 5. Ask for help when needed. Use all available resources and facilities provided by the College to enhance the learning experience; 6. Attend scheduled advising sessions, tutorials, and other appointments. Cancel or reschedule only with good reasons as early as possible; 7. Arrive prepared for tutorial sessions, bringing all needed materials (books, syllabi, rough drafts, calculators, assignment sheets, etc.). C.  Textbook Availability A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from a university-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS: A comprehensive final evaluation, not to exceed three hours in length, shall be given at the end of each course at the official scheduled final exam time. Any exceptions to this requirement must be approved by the appropriate Dean. Other evaluations are given at the discretion of the instructor. A student who must be absent from a final evaluation should petition that instructor for permission to postpone the evaluation. A student absent without permission from a final evaluation is graded "0" on the exam. Incomplete Grades.  The conditional grade of “I” may be issued to a student having a passing average on all completed coursework but for a justified reason, such as illness or death in the family or by providential hindrance, has been prevented from taking the final examination or completing other required coursework. The “I” becomes an “F” in one hundred twenty (120) calendar days from the end of the term unless the student completes the balance of the coursework with a performance grade of “D” or higher. Re-enrollment in the course will not resolve the “I.”  The student and faculty must fill out an Incomplete Contract, clearly defining the work remaining to be finished.

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Introduction to Sociology�

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Credit Hours 3�

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